Blakely's NBA Power Rankings: Warriors take over

Blakely's NBA Power Rankings

BOSTON — Injuries have certainly impacted the NBA standings of late in both a positive and not so positive way.

You have the Oklahoma City Thunder who are looking more like a title contender with Russell Westbrook (hand) and Kevin Durant (foot) back in the fold.

And at the opposite end of the injury spectrum you have the Toronto Raptors who will be without the services of DeMar DeRozan (groin) - their top scorer and lone all-star on the roster - who is out indefinitely.

It all adds up to a decent amount of movement in this week's power rankings.

MIDDLE OF THE PACK

18. New Orleans (Record: 7-8. Last week 15) - Losses in four of their last five games, it'll be interesting to see whether Monty Williams can get his talented crew back in the playoff hunt.

17. Cleveland (Record: 8-7. Last week 17) - The three-game winning streak is nice, but even more impressive has been the Cavs holding three consecutive opponents to less than 100 points - a first for them this season.

16. Sacramento (Record: 9-8. Last week 13) - Next three games at home against Eastern Conference teams. Yup, look for the Kings to move up a couple spots next week.

15. Miami (Record: 9-8. Last week 9) - From third-wheel to go-to guy, Chris Bosh is reminding us all that he's one of the game's top forwards in this post-LeBron era in South Beach.

14. Denver (Record: 9-8. Last week 19) - If the league ever decided to give out a comeback coach of the month award, Brian Shaw would have been a winner in November.

13. Milwaukee (Record: 10-8. Last week 16) - Brandon Knight should be on everyone's short list for most improved player, averaging career highs in scoring (17 point) and assists (5.9).

RUNNING WITH THE PACK

12. Atlanta (Record: 9-6. Last week 14) - Hawks transition defense has been strong, evident by them giving up a league-low 9.1 fast-break points per game.

11. Phoenix (Record: 10-8. Last week 11) - They don't score, they don't win. Suns are 2-5 this season in games in which they score less than 100 points.

10. Dallas (Record: 13-5. Last week 10) - What a division. They've won three straight and nine of their last 11, and yet the Mavs are currently fourth in a stacked Southwest division.

9. Los Angeles Clippers (Record: 11-5. Last week 12) - Blake Griffin coming off an MVP-esque week in leading the Clippers to four wins - all on the road - while averaging 23.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and five assists.

8. Houston (Record: 13-4. Last week 6) - Dwight Howard may anchor the Rocket's defense, but in his absence they showed they can get it done at the end of the floor with or without him.

7. Washington (Record: 11-5. Last week 7) - The Wizards' signing of Paul Pierce was a genius move this past summer that continues to pay off for Washington.